A study involving IDIAPJGol researcher Brenda Biaani León-Gómez, published in BMC Public Health, confirms that the superblocks implemented in Barcelona have had a positive impact on residents’ health and well-being. The results show a significant reduction in air and noise pollution, as well as improvements in sleep quality and social interaction. Although benefits have been more pronounced in some areas than others, the overall evaluation supports expanding the model to the rest of the city.
The study highlights that the superblock in the Sant Antoni district saw a 25 % reduction in NO₂ levels and 17 % fewer PM₁₀ particles thanks to decreased traffic. In Horta, while no overall changes were observed, specific points with reduced traffic did show improvement. Moreover, over 50 % of superblock residents believe air quality and noise levels have improved.
Regarding public space use, an increase in social interaction and pedestrian activity on the streets was observed. In Sant Antoni, for example, there was a rise in the presence of older people and families, whereas in Poblenou, workers and families with children have been the main users of the new leisure areas. Nonetheless, some groups—such as young people or older adults—have expressed that they do not feel fully included in the superblock designs.
The study was conducted between 2019 and 2021 and used a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, including health surveys, environmental measurements, ethnographic studies, and space-use observations. The research team analyzed three superblocks with varying levels of intervention and evaluated their influence on citizens’ quality of life.
The conclusions indicate that superblocks are an effective tool for transforming cities into healthier, more sustainable spaces. However, it is recommended to expand traffic-reduction measures, better adapt spaces for all age groups, and reinforce signage to ensure safer coexistence between pedestrians and vehicles. In the context of the climate emergency, expanding this model could be key to improving urban health and citizens’ quality of life.
Article reference
Environmental and health effects of the Barcelona superblocks. Pérez K, Palència L, López MJ, León-Gómez BB, Puig-Ribera A, Gómez-Gutiérrez A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Carrasco-Turigas G, Borrell C. BMC Public Health. 2025 Feb 17;25(1):634. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-21835-z. PMID: 39962528 Free PMC article.
